Today we’d like to introduce you to Jefferson Schildgen
Hi Jefferson, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I wanted to perform with other musicians at local venues on a professional level. Owning a business in entertainment provided the legal and financial protection I needed when working with venues, clients, and musicians. Knowing that the business is liable for any incidentals gives me the confidence and peace of mind I need.
Owning a business also provides a more professional first impression for future partners by allowing me to create a website, estimates, invoices, contracts, and social media accounts including Yelp and Google for customer testimonies.
A less significant, but important benefit is the tax differences associated with owning a business. While there are additional taxes just for owning a business, those taxes are paid for by the business and are outweighed by the taxes saved on business expenses. This difference in taxation allowed me to grow the business while not having to pay taxes on expenses like payroll and audio equipment that I would have needed to perform whether or not I owned a business at all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a life-long musician and vocalist, I saw a demand in San Diego and surrounding counties for clients looking for groups to provide quality performances with a professional, customer focused experience. Providing positive care and attention to clients came naturally to me, but without any entrepreneurial experience, I was forced to learn not only how to start the business, but to be legally compliant and profitable through some very thorough research and advice from a few mentors. This was by far the most difficult task, but it has been a truly rewarding experience because it motivated me to constantly find ways to improve the business.
There have been many lessons along the way, but one of the most crucial was to be very organized in each area of running the business. Scheduling performance dates, recruiting talent, creating contracts, processing payments, and receipts can be daunting at times, but I am constantly finding ways to improve each process which makes it that much easier to run the business.
Like most businesses, all profits were used to grow the business in the first couple of years. Our largest expense is payroll and acquiring the equipment necessary to create the best quality experience. Thankfully, after a couple of years in business, we are growing at a rate that has allowed us to hire on additional help in processing administrative tasks which has been the most time consuming effort thus far. This growth has blessed us, to serve over 100 clients and earned 30+ 5-star reviews on Yelp and Google.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Schildgen Entertainment, LLC?
Schildgen Entertainment, LLC is a veteran owned business that specializes in providing exceptional musical performances with a focus on jazz ensembles. Offering a range of live acts, from intimate trio settings to larger big band performances, the company caters to a variety of events including corporate functions, private parties, and public gatherings. With a commitment to delivering high-quality, professional entertainment with a personal touch, Schildgen Entertainment aims to enrich events with the timeless, sophisticated sound of the famous crooners of the 1950’s and 60’s as well as pop, rock groups, etc., creating memorable experiences for audiences of all kinds. Our mission is to showcase the versatility and improvisational spirit of jazz and other genres, ensuring that every performance is tailored to meet the specific needs and atmosphere of the event, while fostering a deeper appreciation for the art form.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Our business thrives on certain qualities that directly impact client satisfaction. Key among them are effective communication, which fosters trust and clarity; reliability, ensuring clients can depend on consistent results and timely delivery; and personalization, which tailors services or products to meet individual needs, making clients feel valued. Problem-solving skills are equally crucial, as addressing issues swiftly and thoughtfully enhances client loyalty. Furthermore, maintaining professionalism and delivering value are essential for building lasting relationships. These qualities not only meet client expectations but also create a positive experience that encourages repeat business and strong referrals.
Pricing:
- Solo Performances – prices vary based on time
- Duos – prices vary based on time
- Trios – prices vary based on time
- Quartets – prices vary based on time
- Large Ensembles – prices vary based on time
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ratpackreborn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ratpackreborn/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094606308879
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RatPackReborn
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/rat-pack-reborn-san-diego
- Other: https://schildgen-entertainment-llc.square.site/
Image Credits
Tima Chiappara, TCPhotography
Joubin Zade, ZadeWave
